RCDG prepares for potential defense budget cuts

The Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) called together community and business leaders to formulate plans to save the 179th Air National Guard stationed at Mansfield Lahm Airport on February 21.

The group included representatives of the City of Mansfield, the Guard Unit, State Representative Mark Romanchuk, RCDG Board members and Chamber of Commerce Board members. Bridget McDaniel, Executive Director of RCDG invited CBD Advisors to address the group and to present their Community Guide for Federal Asset Partnerships.McDaniel had participated in several regional briefings sponsored by Team NEO allowing her to become familiar with the technical assistance the CBD Advisors can bring to a community.

CBD Advisors has been contracted by the State of Ohio to analyze the economic impacts of federal defense assets in Ohio and to work with stakeholders to retain and grow Federal investments in the state. The group from Dayton will provide tools for effective advocacy, assist stakeholders in creating strategies that will enhance the military value of their bases and will enable communities to be proactive during this era of military downsizing.

This preliminary meeting resulted in the identification of additional representatives that need to join in the effort. Additionally, Rich Green, former commander of the 179th Airlift Wing, volunteered to spearhead the effort. Green is a former United States Air Force Command Pilot. Following his retirement from the military after 35 years in the grade of brigadier general, he served as Legislative Director for the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) for seven years. McDaniel commended Green’s willingness to assist the community, “Rich’s experience in the service and with NGAUS will be extremely valuable to Richland County as we move forward. He has both the technical expertise and the political savvy to help us as we position the 179th for a long stay in our community.”

In accepting the responsibility, Green stated “I'm looking forward to working closely with community leaders and CDB Advisors to ensure the future of the 179th Airlift Wing. It is a vital part of our community and deserves our best effort." The group will meet again in March in order to begin identifying specific action items.